Overview

• Scotland Yard confirmed an internal review of hiring and vetting practices covering 2016 to 2023 and said urgent revetting is under way.
• Roughly 300 people hired in that period may have received substandard or no background checks for criminal history, risky associations or debt.
• The force identified the potential errors earlier this year, and officials are weighing referrals to the IOPC or HMIC for independent scrutiny.
• The issues predate Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and relate to the tenure of Dame Cressida Dick, when recruitment targets intensified.
• Those still in their two‑year probation are easier to remove than confirmed officers, and new powers introduced this year strengthen action over failed vetting.